Windows 8 PCs and tablets set to launch in October

Early rumors suggested that devices running Microsoft’s next-generation Windows 8 operating system might launch as soon as this summer, but a new report places the platform’s public release in the fourth quarter. Citing multiple unnamed sources, Bloomberg on Tuesday reported that Microsoft will complete work on Windows 8 this summer, and the first wave of PCs and tablets powered by the new OS will launch in October. Intel x86 and ARM-based devices will both become available at the same time, and Microsoft will reportedly announce its launch plans to industry partners during an event in April. BGR recently reviewed Microsoft’s Windows 8 Consumer Preview, which was unveiled during a press conference at Mobile World Congress last month, and we called it a first glimpse at the future of computing.